Rich black when converting RGB to CMYK

I'm working in an older version of PhotoShop (7) but any help on the topic would definitely help.
My problem is that I am converting RGB native images to CMYK and my Key (Black) comes out rich, contains equal levels of CMY and K, instead of true black, only k.
Currently my way around this is to do the standard convert to profile CMYK and with my path selected to the section I would like to be true black simply turn off all CM and Y channels and re-save the image but this is a little labor intensive.
Is there a way that I can go straight from RGB to CMYK and achieve true black without alteration?

Yes, there is. You can use a CMYK setup or ICC CMYK profile that uses Maximum black generation. Unfortunately, that will almost always hose anything photographic in your image.
Is it typographical elements that are becoming four color? If so, then they should be done in a page layout program where they can be rasterized separately from the photographic image. If it is type you're worried about, is it large type or small? If you have to set large type in Ps, then it's probably fine to let it run four color.
If it were me and I had to do everything in Ps, I would probably make two conversions of the file to CMYK - one with a standard black generation and one with Max K. I would then select the black you want from the max K version and paste into the K channel of the "normal" document, and then use that as a selection to delete from the other three channels.
A third way is to do type in Ps and leave the type as a vector type layer, then save the file out as a Photoshop PDF, which is then placed in a layout app. or just sent to the printer through his RIP. That should work too, but there are too many places for things to wrong for my taste.

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Problem when converting RGB to CMYK in illustrator CC

Today I realized I had my document in RBG mode rather than CMYK. I am drawing die lines over a CMYK TIFF file placed in the document. When I try to convert my illustrator document color mode from RGB to CMYK everything in the document goes white - including the CMYK TIFF file that I have placed in it.
I can highlight the paths and see them only when they are highlighted but Illustrator will not allow me to select a new color for them.
In older versions of Illustrator I have had it would seamlessly convert to CMYK without changing everything to white.
I tried creating a new document with CMYK color mode and pasting the items in and it still goes all white.
In illustrator CS3 it converts just fine from RGB to CMYK with no image loss and no color loss on my dieline paths. but because my version of CS3 is acting crazy it won't allow me to save files from it
any help appreciated!!
thank you so much

hi monika!
no they are just plain old paths in black. and the TIFF file is just a regular TIFF file that is being placed on the bottom layer.
thanks for any help!!

How do you get black to look "dark black" when converting to PDF?

Some times when I convert my document to a PDF, the blacks show more as a grey. Sometimes ill see both gray and actual black on the same PDF. I know this has something to do with the "appearance of black" in the prefernaces but I cannot figure out what the proper settings are for this.

Well, Appereance of Black has sure something to do with that but it´s not the whole truth. If you are making RGB or Grayscale PDF, and you have your Print/Export Appereance of Black set as Rich Black, InDesign converts all your K100 Blacks to Rich Black. That doesn´t happen if you target Color Space (in PDF export or printing) is CMYK.
You can do that manually too, also for CMYK PDFs. Simply create new swatch, for instance C30, M0, Y0, K100 or if you want even deeper black, use C30, M30, Y30, K100. All the elements you color with this new swatch will be darker.
I wouldnt use that kind of rich black for text for printed documents, at least if text is small size. InDesign doesn´t overprint by default any other black than regular K100 black. And there might be some convergence issues too.

ICC profile to convert RGB to CMYK,   jpeg is ok, png format have a problem

When I use ICC profile to convert RGB to CMYK, jpeg format is ok, but png format have a problem.the color is lossy.
It means, the png file color is shallow than jpeg file after convert.Could anybody help me?
thanks
source code
import java.awt.image.BufferedImage;
import java.io.File;
import java.io.FileNotFoundException;
import java.io.FileOutputStream;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.io.OutputStream;
import java.util.Iterator;
import javax.imageio.IIOImage;
import javax.imageio.ImageIO;
import javax.imageio.ImageTypeSpecifier;
import javax.imageio.ImageWriteParam;
import javax.imageio.ImageWriter;
import javax.imageio.metadata.IIOMetadata;
import javax.imageio.metadata.IIOMetadataNode;
import javax.imageio.stream.ImageOutputStream;
import org.w3c.dom.Node;
import com.sun.image.codec.jpeg.ImageFormatException;
import com.sun.image.codec.jpeg.JPEGCodec;
import com.sun.image.codec.jpeg.JPEGEncodeParam;
import com.sun.image.codec.jpeg.JPEGImageEncoder;
public class TestImage {
     public static void main(String args[]) throws ImageFormatException, IOException{
          BufferedImage readImage = null;
          try {
              readImage = ImageIO.read(new File("C:\\TEST.jpg"));
          } catch (Exception e) {
              e.printStackTrace();
              readImage = null;
          readImage = CMYKProfile.getInstance().doChColor(readImage);
          writeImage(readImage, "C:\\TEST_after_.jpg", 1.0f);
    protected static String getSuffix(String filename) {
        int i = filename.lastIndexOf('.');
        if(i>0 && i<filename.length()-1) {
            return filename.substring(i+1).toLowerCase();
        return "";
    protected static void writeImage(BufferedImage image, String filename, float quality) {
        Iterator writers = ImageIO.getImageWritersBySuffix(getSuffix(filename));
        System.out.println("filename�F"+filename);
        if (writers.hasNext()) {
            ImageWriter writer = (ImageWriter)writers.next();
            try {
                ImageOutputStream stream
                    = ImageIO.createImageOutputStream(new File(filename));
                writer.setOutput(stream);
                ImageWriteParam param = writer.getDefaultWriteParam();
                if (param.canWriteCompressed()) {
                    param.setCompressionMode(ImageWriteParam.MODE_EXPLICIT);//NO COMPRESS
                    param.setCompressionQuality(quality);
                } else {
                    System.out.println("Compression is not supported.");
                IIOMetadata metadata = null;
                if(getSuffix(filename).equals("png") || getSuffix(filename).equals("PNG")){
                     ImageTypeSpecifier imageTypeSpecifier = new ImageTypeSpecifier(image);
                     metadata = writer.getDefaultImageMetadata(imageTypeSpecifier, param);
                        String sFormat = "javax_imageio_png_1.0";
                        Node node = metadata.getAsTree(sFormat);
                        IIOMetadataNode gammaNode = new IIOMetadataNode("gAMA");
                        String sGamma = "55556";
                        gammaNode.setAttribute("value", sGamma);
                        node.appendChild(gammaNode);
                        metadata.setFromTree(sFormat, node);
                writer.write(null, new IIOImage(image, null, metadata), param);
                writer.dispose();
                return;
            } catch (IOException ex) {
                ex.printStackTrace();
}

Hi,
I am having similar problems. I have read somewhere that png format can not handle CMYK colorspace anyway, which I find odd (and plainly stupid IM(NS)HO) which would mean that converting to RGB and therefore using profiles is mandatory.
May be you should check if the internal format of the png files claims it is RGB or CMYK (using ImageMagick's "identify" command for example).
HTH
JG

Hi, cannot convert RGB to CMYK...

I cannot find such an option in the Elements? Can anyone help how can I convert the files to CMYK from RGB using this tool...
Thanks
ansu

Elements can't convert RGB to CMYK. You'd need the full Photoshop.
Otherwise you can google 'RGB to CMYK' conversion to find online or software tools that can do that.
The real question is why do you need CMYK. If it's a request from a printer shop, it's their job and responsibility to do the conversion, since such a conversion can only be properly done when you know the specificity of your printing tools, inks and papers.

Converting RGB to CMYK color

Hi All,
I have few BASIC Questions on converting RGB to CMYK in Photoshop and Illustrator. Hope could get some professional insights here.
1, Are all the DTG printers set only in CMYK color mode ?
2, If there is no difference after viewing RGB image with 'Gamaut Warning' (Photoshop), Does that mean I'll have the exact print result as monitor view ?
and Basically no need for CMYK conversion ?
3, Please list some the most effective way to convert RGB to CMYK, and keep the final CMYK color result as close as the RGB.
4, when I simply convert one RGB image to CMYK color, why Ps/AI don't allow me to save as PNG file ?
( I save the file as PDF, but I cannot edit this PDF using apple preview app )
5, compare Photoshop to Illustrator, which one result better final CMYK color image ?

Thanks for the detailed reply. Sure clear some of the doubts.
I just start to draw/design in Photoshop and illustrator, I save my files most as PNG, for a transparent background.
After I went to officework do the poster printing, I found the color of my print image are not as vivid as Mac preview.
To be precise, the poster I printed looks like has a very thin grey layer, it is not much noticeable, but it indeed lost some vivid color. As I want to print out my works and keep color as close exact as Mac preview, here is the issue of coverting RGB CMYK.
Please feel free to add for below:
1, Should I set color space in CMYK before drawing in PS/AI
2, in PS, I convert profile from PNG file to CMYK save as psd file, that psd file preview exactly same as PNG.
But when saved as PDF, the file preview a bit grey. Can someone explain this?
3, Now im thinking, since CMYK is all about printers, it really should be the profession in printing shop who shall check my image, and edit/convert to the right color space to fit their printers.

Color converting RGB to CMYK mode???

Is it possible to convert RGB to CMYK color mode in Elements 10?

No, not really. If you google around, Richard Lynch had a sort of workaround for this for very early versions of PSE that could possibly be adapted for current use, but a proper CMYK conversion is much more complex, even with the proper tools, than going from sRGB to Adobe RGB, for example.
If you have a mac you can do a mode conversion in Preview, but you may not like what you get from the print shop using that method.

Convert rgb to cmyk in bridge

I am working on a MAC & Photoshop CS2. I
need a how-to action for converting RGB
to CMYK & how to image process it in Bridge.
Many thanks.

If you create an RGB>CMYK action in Photoshop you can easily pick images in Bridge and call up a Batch operation from within Bridge...but it's Photoshop doing the work cause Bridge ain't an image processor (as others have said).

True black converting to rich black when importing one specific PDF

I am using InDesign CC. When importing one particular CMYK PDF file into my document, the black text is converting to 4-color rich black. I have InDesign 5.0 on another computer. Following the same procedure on that computer, the text remains 100% K. My settings are the same, as far as I can tell.
Other designers across the country using this same ad have no problem. The text remains 100% K. We are all using InDesign, but I am the only one using InDesign CC.
I do not have this problem with any other ads (so far), but I have been using CC for only two months.
Any ideas?

It has been over a month since I walked through her settings with her, Rob, and the minute details have been replaced in my brain. I do know that she built the ad in CMYK, used 100%K for text, left the layers unflattened, ensured she had a background layer. In her PDF output settings, she converted to destination, and her destination profile was CMYK SWOP 2. I had her try CMYK web uncoated v2, as well. I don't recall what her overall color setting was set to (North America General Purpose? Custom? Again, nothing that alarmed me).
Sorry I don't have more details. She isn't interested in helping me investigate this further, since I am the only one with difficulties.
As far as changing the assigned profile within InDesign, yes, I tried that. It didn't help. I believe I exhaused all possible combinations for output.
Good to hear (in a sick sort of way) about the problems with Acrobat. I had read about Acrobat having difficulties with preserving numbers, so I wasn't as concerned about the output preview. But on the other hand, I wasn't sure if it might be an "a-ha" symptom for this particular PDF.
So many possibilities, so little time. Your explanations have helped my stress tremendously. Many thanks!

How to make a script to convert RGB to CMYK as black 100%?

Hi guy
my customer sent me a book (144 pages) for print but all of them are RGB and Tiff, she scan them. there are on the page some texts and pictures. The text are R=30 G=30 B=30.I think if I can make a script I will do it very soon to black 100%, but unfortunately I dont know anything to make script
anybody can help me ?anybody can make it for me ?

We need to know some more information.
1. The book consists of 144 pages, and each page is in fact an RGB image in TIFF format.
    Correct?
    That means, the text is already rasterized, but with low resolution (no more than 300ppi).
    A very bad starting point, in my humble opinion. For offset printing this is not acceptable.
2. Is the printing process offset printing or by digital printing?
Nevertheless we may think about a conversion of these images into CMYK K-only (one plate
per page) .
a) Increase contrast until R=G=B=0 for text.
b) Convert each image into Grayscale, using a so-called Black-Ink-Profile, for instance
    Black-Ink-ISOCoated-v2-eci (can be explained later)
c) Make empty CMYK image, here for ISOCoated-v2-eci, and paste the Grayscale into the
    K-channel. All further handling happens as CMYK file for the process ISOCoated-v2-eci.
    Void plates CMY don't matter.
    Post #12 here:
    Re: Colour shift (from CMYK = 0 0 0 20 to Grayscale K = 22 !)
All this can be done by an action (I hope so...).
Much better would be a new start by InDesign with typographical text (K-only vector instead of raster)
with images in RGB or CMYK, taking into account the intended process.
Note: Photoshop can deliver vector text, if exported as PDF.
Best regards --Gernot Hoffmann

Converting RGB to CMYK - Huge color shift. Any tips on getting some decent color back?

I just downloaded a St. Patricks day background from iStockPhoto. Nice vibrant green. We all know when converting to CMYK from RGB, there is a color shift but this is pretty dang dramatic. Any basic tips on getting some of that vibrant color back after converting?

You can boost greens by printing another pass of yellow with the same halftoning on top of your cyan areas. Black and yellow naturalyl also can give the appearance of certain dark green colors, but this may only work on vbery fine rasters. Printing an extra color is always an option, but also keep in mind that a lot depends on what paper is used and how it interacts with the inks. Also many magazines use gloss coating on their front page, which hugely influences perception of "depth" in the colors. And don't forget all the perceptional tricks - such mags often use colored pages because the green looks more saturated when surrounded by a dark red, brown or ocre...
Mylenium

Convert RGB to CMYK in AI

Hi, my printing house said I sent him a RGB file and he needs CMYK for printing.
(1) How can I know the original file is RBG color mode?
(2) How to convert RGB ai file to CMYK ai file?
Thanks a lot!!!

lhcheng,
1) File>Document Color Mode.
2) Tick CMYK instead of RGB.
You should be aware that the RGB and CMYK colours are fundamentally different, so most likely you will have to create at least some colours anew, and you will have to accept certain inevitable changes.
Many RGB colours will be changed to rather muddy and messy CMYK colours, as you can see in the Color palette when selecting CMYK.
And many bright colours will become less so.

Best results when changing RGB to CMYK

Hi There,
How can I get the best results when converting a RGB to CMYK? For example, a tif visual when offset printing... Is there any programme, plug in, machine for this?
Many thanks

I agree with Marco U.
I might have said: only use Perceptual if an extremely important color in a photo changes terribly using Relative Colorimetric -- otherwise use that. The reason: The former method can make the whole picture shift (usually yellower and weaker) but the latter can make several distinctly different colors (like 3-5 different reds for example) and make them the same. Usually, one or two really strong colors can get shifted somewhat, but won't be noticeable in an otherwise great looking image.
The secret to converting for good print color is to choose the source and target correctly.
If you are serious about color, buy the book "Real World Color Management" by Bruce Fraser, Chris Murphy and Fred Bunting.
http://www.amazon.com/Real-World-Color-Management-2nd/dp/0321267222/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF 8&s=books&qid=1198178251&sr=1-1
Sadly, Bruce Fraser passed away, so the book may not go to a third edition.But you can still get the second edition and the first 5 or 6 chapters are an education in themselves.

Blacks are becoming rich blacks when exporting to PDF in CS2

Im having a funny problem I have never noticed before where when I export to PDF from InDesign CS2 all blacks turn to rich blacks. I am verifying this by opening it up in Acrobat and viewing the separations.
I have narrowed it down to a single setting. I can replicate it by selecting the "High Quality Print" preset and then in the Profile Inclusion Policy selecting "Include All Profiles" then exporting.
This shouldn't be... Colour conversion is turned off so the PDF compiler should not be modifying the colour... just sending a tag along with it.

I understand the processes of colour management and in no way am I trying to turn it off. Can somebody please try it out and see if my original problem is happening to them. I'm only asking about one variable... The Profile Inclusion Policy.
I understand "No colour conversion" option does not mean turning off colour management... Its keeps all source files in their original colour space. I know this stuff.
I also know there is not a lot of different between the hight quality print preset and the press quality other than the press preset has the Convert to Destination option set for colour conversion which forces objects colour to that of the destination profile. However this is not important... And please dont argue about this point because I'm only looking for a solution to one problem and I'm not a novice.
I want to know why when I select include all profiles the black is converted to a rich black?

Having troubles converting RGB to CMYK

@Hi guys
I having massive issues with converting my business logo form RGB to CMYK. I need to place this logo on my business card ready for printing. I created the logo in RGB format to start of with, but it keeps coming out darker and abit grayscaled
once the conversation is set. Can anyone help me out with this issue, and if so, can you also provide the steps in how to resolve this issue for future references. Im using Adobe Photoshop CS5 for this execise. I can also provide the actual image attached below as the second image,.

These bright pink and purple colours are obviously way out of gamut so they convert badly to CMYK. Exactly how they convert depends on what colour profile you are using
It will probably be best to either rework the design using mixtures of cyan and magenta only or else use mixtures of Pantone colours.
The Pantone solution will only work for offset printing but is no use for a home printer.
Read up on colour management like Mylenium says and learn to think in terms of inks rather than screen colours.

Rich black when converting RGB to CMYK

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